Armed attack on EU training base in Mali

Gunmen attacked a hotel being used as an EU training base in the Malian capital Bamako on Monday night.

Shots were fired and at least one explosion was heard at the Azalai Hotel Nord Sud, L’Express reported.

“The attackers tried to force through the entry and the guards in front of the entrance opened fire. One attacker was killed. The gunfire continued for several minutes,” said one witness, according to Reuters.

The hotel is being used by the almost 600 military personnel from the EU’s training mission for Malian armed forces, known as EUTM Mali. The American embassy is close by, and the area has been sealed, L’Express reported.

An EU spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy said all EU staff in the area were safe, and were cooperating with the Malian authorities to help find those responsible.